Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that he personally supported some Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa, including paying school fees for some children, beyond the assistance provided by the government.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, October 17, Mr Ablakwa said some returnees had approached him for additional support after receiving their transportation and reintegration allowances.
He cited the case of a woman who returned with four children, saying she received GH¢5,500 for each of the five family members.
According to the Minister, the woman later visited his office to explain that she could no longer afford her children’s school fees, prompting him to provide personal financial assistance.
“She even came to the office to say that they had run out of school fees and needed support, and I had to personally assist them with their children’s school fees,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa insisted that the evacuees had acknowledged receiving their allowances, including the benefits provided for their children.
“It’s important to emphasise that no evacuee from South Africa has denied receiving both the reintegration and transportation allowance,” he said.
He added that none of the returnees had claimed to be hearing for the first time that their children were entitled to the support.
“Indeed, all of them confirmed that their children benefited,” he said. “So, it’s a fact. We can verify”.
Ablakwa requests audit amid continuing controversy
The Minister also disclosed that he had written to the Auditor-General requesting an audit of the activity, including proposed terms of reference for the exercise.
He further revealed that he had held a meeting with the Auditor-General, who was considering engaging other international auditors to assist with the exercise.
Explaining why he wanted the audit, Mr Ablakwa said the continuing criticism surrounding the evacuation and the assistance provided to returnees had made an independent examination necessary.
“The mischief continues,” he said, explaining why he wanted the audit to proceed.
Mr Ablakwa expressed concern about what he described as a continuing effort to sustain the controversy despite the information already made public.
He also noted that some Members of Parliament continue to raise concerns about the matter, stressing that he was ready for an independent review.
“Let’s have the audit. I’m not opposing that,” he said.